Ngige gets more time to present witnesses

The Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday gave the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Chris Ngige, three more days to conclude with his witnesses.

Three witnesses appeared yesterday, including APC’s woman leader in Awka Ward 5 Mrs Chidiebere Augustina Muoghalu and Chibuzor Obiakor, who said they only voted on November 30.

There was a mild drama when PW10 Mrs. Muoghalu brought out her voter card from her brassiere, which Chief Emeka Ngige, described as “inner chamber.”

Lead counsel to Willie Obiano, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu refused to touch the card.

He deferred to the counsel of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Patrick Ikwueto.

Ikpeazu’s action caused a stir at the tribunal.

Before then, the tribunal had ruled in favour of Ngige when Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), queried that the days given for APC witnesses had elapsed.

But Emeka Ngige challenged what he called a gang-up among the respondents’ counsel; Ikpeazu, Awomolo and Ikwueto, faulting their objections.

After the arguments from counsel, the tribunal gave Ngige three more days, beginning from Monday, to conclude with his witnesses.

Justice Ishaq Bello said: “Our concern is what happens to us when we go to God, we are here on national assignment and we must discharge it with seriousness and the fear of God.”

“This will make us sleep well in our homes anytime we leave Anambra State at the end of the case, we are not here to favour anybody but to dispense Justice,” he said

Also yesterday, Chibuzor Obiakor told the tribunal during cross examination by Awomolo, Ikpeazu and Ikwueto he did not vote on November 16 and 17.

He said in his Ogidi Ward I, Unit 015, Iyienu 2, Idemili North Local Government Area, there was no election.

Asked if he was present at other councils, Ikpeazu quoted: ‘’Obiakor said he was not physically present but was in contact on his phone in those areas.’’